Paint removal

[Cdnchallenger]

 :-[I want to remove the paint from a set of valve covers and an air cleaner and then repaint them. What is the best method to do this that will not damage the metal?
Thanks in advance.

Steve

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I can't recommend a chemical, but bead-blasting works. I looked in the phone book and was lucky enough to have a blaster close by me. You might want to try that.


   Mike

[Cdnchallenger]

How about sandblasting? Would that damage the metal?

[elitecustombody]

most autoparts stores sell paint stripper in aerosol can,or you can take them to any powdercoating shop,they can blast the old paint off,also powdercoat them just about any color,which is alot better than any paint,

[70_challenger]

 

Be careful with sand - For stamped steel parts (like your valve covers), it can deform the part, and etch it more than you want.  Valve covers can be particularly tough, because you have not only paint, but also 30 years of grease and grime.  For mine (cruddy ones from a swap meet), I cleaned them with oven cleaner, then paint stripper (in a can), then scraped and wire-brushed them.  Then I media blasted them with a fine glass bead, to get them ready for paint.

For your air cleaner, I would think that paint stripper would work, as it shouldn't be that greasy.

Good luck to you!

-Tom

[Cdnchallenger]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[Slotts]

Try some Aircraft Remover. Autozone stocks it. Make sure you rinse well with laquer thinner.

Slotts

[jeryst]

I bought some spray stripper (I think it was called Tal-Strip), and it was totally amazong stuff. Removed several layers of paint all at once, after sitting for about an hour.

I also bought a small glass bead blasting cabinet at Tractor Supply ($100). It is really cool for small parts. It's a little slow, but it removes paint and surface rust really well, and it doesn't harm the surface of the part.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Glass beading does prep a part well for painting. I recently had my aluminum intake glass beaded and powder-coated.   


  Mike

[elitecustombody]

Try some Aircraft Remover. Autozone stocks it. Make sure you rinse well with laquer thinner.

Slotts

Just wondering what is the purpose rinsing with laquer thinner? it sure can't do a job of prep solvent, you know it has all kinds op garbage in it and when evaporated it leaves a film?

[edl]

Just wondering what is the purpose rinsing with laquer thinner? it sure can't do a job of prep solvent, you know it has all kinds op garbage in it and when evaporated it leaves a film?

what was the answer?

[Tonefiend]

Go o the home Depot or other home improvement joint.  Get some Jasco paint stripper, some thick gloves, and some cheap disposeable brushes. 

Brush the thick goop on the parts, wait 20 minutes or so and scrape the paint off with a plastic scraper, block of wood, or wire brush. 

Clean with thinner, or acetone to remove the scum.

[edl]

How does denatured alcohol differ from thinner?

[Bullitt-]

How does denatured alcohol differ from thinner?

Lacquer thinner is stronger than denatured alcohol... I've used both for final prep with satisfactory results
           Didn't know MEK was such a badA55

Lacquer thinner:

Used to dilute, dissolve and clean up of lacquer products. Typically too caustic for oil paints, lacquer thinner is often used additionally for removing inks on metal, and adhesive residue from a variety of surfaces. Lacquer thinner is very  strong and rapidly deteriorates many surfaces and fabrics. Always test in inconspicuous area before use.

Denatured Alcohol:

A solvent primarily used to dilute and dissolve shellac and aniline dyes. Denatured alcohol also acts as a semi-aggressive cleaning agent. Always test on a non-visible surface before using denatured alcohol for cleaning purposes.

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone):

A highly caustic solvent. Always use protective hand and eyewear. Used to dissolve some of the more determined paint problems. Removal of hardened paint on hardware such as hinges and doorknobs by soaking in MEK are common uses for this product. Always test before applying MEK on any object or surface as the powerful solvent qualities of MEK can quickly damage or destroy the item.

Acetone:

A moderately aggressive solvent. Acetone is often used to clean glass, general dirt and grime. In restoration and conservation practices acetone is often used to clean dirt, soot and grime from paintings and furniture. It is also used for the slow dissolving of varnished paintings, to clean, then re-varnish the painting.